India delivered when it mattered most, defeating Pakistan by 19 runs in the Men’s Cricket Final at the Asian Games 2026 in Nisshin, Japan, on October 3.

After winning the toss, captain Shreyas Iyer opted to bat first and our openers Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wasted no time setting the tone. The 15-year-old youngster provided a quickfire cameo of 15 off 9 deliveries to help India make a strong start.

Abhishek Sharma then carried on the fireworks and unleashed carnage on the Pakistan bowling attack with a stunning 61 off just 28 balls, smashing seven sixes and three boundaries at a breathtaking strike rate of 217.86.

Following Abhishek’s dismissal, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings and built a vital 35-run partnership in the middle overs. From there, Tilak Varma anchored the innings with an unbeaten 51 and Shivam Dube adding a quick-fire 27 as India powered their way to a formidable 211/6 in 20 overs.

The chase demanded composure and our bowlers did exactly what was needed. Our Titans all-rounder Washington Sundar made an immediate impact, dismissing Pakistan captain and opener Sahibzada Farhan before striking again to remove Abdul Samad. His two-wicket spell put Pakistan under mounting pressure at a crucial stage of the final.

Sundar was equally sharp in the field, taking two crucial catches, including a stunning effort near the boundary to dismiss Maaz Sadaqat.

Our Titans star received valuable support from Axar Patel, who bowled an economical spell of 2/29 in his four overs. Pakistan refused to go down without a fight, with Hasan Nawaz producing a brilliant 96 off 51 balls. But India held their nerve, with Shivam Dube claiming two wickets and Bumrah delivering a brilliant 19th over as the Men in Blue completed a memorable 19-run victory.

With this win, India retained their Asian Games Men’s Cricket gold medal, making it back-to-back triumphs in the event.

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